ABSciex QTRAP 5500

The QTRAP 5500 mass spectrometer is a quadrupole-TRAP instrument most suitable for quantification of samples and structural analyses (eg MS^3, neutral loss and precursor ion scans). It has at least 10-fold sensitivity over previous models. An Agilent 1100/1200 capLC and a Shimadzu UHPLC system are available for upstream separation of samples.

Orbitrap Elite with ETD

The Orbitrap Elite with ETD is a state-of-the-art hybrid trap mass spectrometer. Suitable for protein identification from both bottom-up and top-down methods, as well as quantification of molecules (labelled samples), intact mass analyses, and characterisation of post-translational modifications. Accurate to < 1ppm and with resolution >240,000. A Dionex nano-UPLC system is used to provide upstream separation of samples with reversed-phase chromatography.

Location

Sample requirements and training

Sample requirements

Sample preparation is critical: samples need to be detergent- and salt-free.

In general, for protein identification and quantification, samples need to be enzymatically digested (eg trypsin) followed by SPE (solid phase extraction) clean-up.

The amount required depends on sample complexity with sensitivity on the order of femtomol to attomol range. As an easy guide, a Coomassie stained gel slice should provide excellent results for gel slices, or 1-5ug of a complex mix of digested proteins in solution.

To provide greater proteome sequence coverage, we offer an offline HPLC system for upstream fractionation of complex samples prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.

For intact mass analysis, proteins need to be in a detergent-free buffer or solvent.

The amount required depends on size:

5 kDa: ~25 pmol

20 kDa: ~100 pmol

60 kDa: ~500 pmol.

Training

We offer twice-yearly introductory seminars on MS that cover:

an introduction to MS

sample preparation for proteomics

database searching.

Charges and considerations

Fees

We charge an access fee to cover consumable and maintenance costs.

Charges

Internal users

Contact us for analyses rates.

External users

Individual analyses: $320 per sample

If you submit more than 20 samples within two months, prices will convert to tier charges.